How to Get Fabric Softener Stains Out of Clothing

Ashley Friedman

Fabric softener keeps wrinkles away, prevents staining in your clothes, and often adds a wonderful fragrance to clean laundry. However, if left on fabric for a long period of time, it can leave a stain. Fortunately, if the stains are noticed before the garment goes into the dryer, it's relatively easy to remove fabric softener from clothing before the stain sets in.

Step 1

Dampen the fabric with warm water and rub a bar of mild soap onto the stain. Be sure to cover the entire body of the stain with soap.

Step 2

Launder the fabric in a washing machine at the hottest temperature the garment will allow, according to the care tab instructions. Hand wash by pouring water of the correct temperature over the garment and allow it to soak. Put on rubber gloves, and rub the garment against itself to work the detergent out of it.

Step 3

Check the stain after laundering. Rub some liquid detergent and all-fabric bleach into the stain and repeat Step 2 if it hasn't disappeared completely,

Step 4

Rinse the garment thoroughly in warm water, making sure that all excess soap is gone.